Dana Point Man Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing After NYE Party

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Friday said a 26-year-old man was sentenced for murdering one man and injuring a second in a deadly stabbing after a New Year’s Eve party in Costa Mesa.

A statement issued by the Orange County District Attorney’s office says Adam Randy Baker of Dana Point received 18 years and eight months to life in state prison after being found guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of 27-year-old Robert Sickles.

Baker was also found guilty of the attempted murder with a sentencing enhancement of personal use of a deadly weapon in connection with the stabbing of Sickles’ friend, 26-year-old Brian McTeigue.

The incident unfolded about 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2011.

According to the statement, Baker was near the valet at the Hilton Hotel in Costa Mesa after attending a New Year’s Eve party when he flicked a cigarette toward a group of men who were leaving the hotel.

A verbal argument ensued and the deceased, Sickles, reportedly stepped between his brother and the defendant to prevent the argument from escalating. Sickles, however, was shoved in the face by Baker who then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.

He was taken to Western Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Sickles’ friend, McTeigue, also attempted to intervene but was stabbed in the back. He too was taken to the hospital where he was treated and later released.

During sentencing, Sickles’ mother and others gave emotional impact statements before the court, according to the statement.

The victim’s mother said in part, “I see my son David suffer from survivor’s guilt, knowing Baker had him in his sights and that Robert was not the original target. David is incredibly traumatized from witnessing his brother’s death and lives every day with the haunting images from that night.”